CHICAGO – Previous multipurpose contact lens solution users who were switched to a hydrogen peroxide solution for 3 weeks reported increased comfort and satisfaction, according to a study presented here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

Eighty-one percent of subjects said their lenses felt like new after 3 weeks of hydrogen peroxide use compared with 24% at baseline, Merchea told PCON. Ninety-three percent said their lenses felt comfortable all day after the 3 weeks vs. 52% at baseline. Sixty-six percent said they forgot they were wearing contact lenses after the 3-week trial vs. 36% at baseline. Seventy-eight percent said their lenses felt moist and comfortable at the end of the day vs. 25% at baseline. Ninety-three percent said the cleaning system was easy after the 3 weeks vs. 72% at baseline.

Subjects “tended to be compliant with the multipurpose solutions,” Merchea said, “but found it was easier with peroxide.”

Aside from daily disposable wear, Merchea said, “We think the best thing for the patient is hydrogen peroxide for reusable lenses.”

He continued: “There’s no reason not to use this. The fear of hydrogen peroxide is unfounded. There are real benefits to these patients even when you presume they’re already happy.”

Merchea said he plans on conducting a second phase of the study involving 2,000 subjects. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO

CHICAGO – Previous multipurpose contact lens solution users who were switched to a hydrogen peroxide solution for 3 weeks reported increased comfort and satisfaction, according to a study presented here at the American Academy of Optometry meeting.

Eighty-one percent of subjects said their lenses felt like new after 3 weeks of hydrogen peroxide use compared with 24% at baseline, Merchea told PCON. Ninety-three percent said their lenses felt comfortable all day after the 3 weeks vs. 52% at baseline. Sixty-six percent said they forgot they were wearing contact lenses after the 3-week trial vs. 36% at baseline. Seventy-eight percent said their lenses felt moist and comfortable at the end of the day vs. 25% at baseline. Ninety-three percent said the cleaning system was easy after the 3 weeks vs. 72% at baseline.

Subjects “tended to be compliant with the multipurpose solutions,” Merchea said, “but found it was easier with peroxide.”

Aside from daily disposable wear, Merchea said, “We think the best thing for the patient is hydrogen peroxide for reusable lenses.”

He continued: “There’s no reason not to use this. The fear of hydrogen peroxide is unfounded. There are real benefits to these patients even when you presume they’re already happy.”

Merchea said he plans on conducting a second phase of the study involving 2,000 subjects. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO